CEO of Claxton-Hepburn in Ogdensburg will step down in May

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - 2:39 pm

By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center CEO Nate Howell will has submitted his resignation and will step down May 11.

To prepare for his departure, the executive committee of the Claxton-Hepburn Board of Directors will appoint an interim CEO who will work with the rest of the hospital’s senior management team to continue the goals established for 2018.

Claxton-Hepburn’s clinical affiliate, Crouse Health, has offered to help find a qualified interim candidate. Should Crouse not be able to identify a person, a search firm will be retained to place an interim CEO. A nationwide search for a permanent replacement is currently underway.

A search committee will be formed with representatives from the medical center’s board, medical staff, and hospital staff. This committee will interview candidates and ultimately make a final recommendation to the board for the new president and CEO.

Howell has served as Claxton-Hepburn’s chief executive for the last three and a half years. During his tenure, the medical center made many positive improvements, and he helped create a solid foundation for it to continue to grow. His decision to leave was influenced by both professional and personal reasons. He will assume the role of CEO at a hospital with Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford, Maine, which is in the same vicinity as his parents and extended family.

Howell was hired as CEO in Sept. 2014.

“Nate has served us well as our chief executive for the last three and a half years. His decision to leave was influenced by both professional and personal reasons. He will assume the role of CEO at a hospital in Maine, which is in the same vicinity as his parents and extended family,” the email says. “We appreciate Nate’s leadership and his commitment to CHMC. During his tenure we have made positive improvements, and he has helped create a solid foundation for us to continue to grow. We wish Nate and his family all the best in his new chapter in their lives,” an email issued to employees from CHMC of Board of Director Chairman Chet Truskowski said.